Input device including a wheel assembly for scrolling an image in multiple directions

ABSTRACT

A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis may lie in a common plane or otherwise be close to one another to provide a large range of possible angular motion. A sensor is preferably positioned within the finger-engagable scrolling device for rotational movement of the rotational portion of the finger-engagable scrolling device. A pivot sensor may be provided on the second axis or laterally disposed from the scrolling device. A cover with an aperture may be provided over the scrolling device to help prevent dust and other contaminates from entering the housing through the opening for the scrolling device. The scrolling device may be contoured in a number of alternative ways to provide enhanced control and/or visual or tactile cues. In response to sensed pivotal movement of the scrolling device, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the direction of the lateral movement. The scrolling speed can be affected relative to the amount of displacement of the scrolling device and/or the amount of time that the scrolling device is displaced by a predetermined amount. The computer input device having the rotatable member may take the form of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball device, or another type of computer input device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/184,000, filed Jun. 28, 2002, incorporated herein in its entirety,which is a Continuation-in-Part application of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/843,794, filed Apr. 30, 2001, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an input device including an assemblyfor moving an image in multiple directions on a display screen. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a scroll wheel assemblythat, when part of a peripheral or integral input device that isoperatively connected to a host computer, can move an image in multipleaxes relative to the display screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scroll wheels have been provided on computer mice and used by computeroperators to move an image relative to a display screen of a hostcomputer. A scroll wheel assembly includes a rotatable scroll wheel anda sensor that are typically included in a housing for a peripheralcomputer device such as a mouse. Typically, a portion of the scrollwheel protrudes upwardly out of an opening in its housing and is rotatedin order to vertically scroll the image along the screen. An example ofa mouse including a known scroll wheel assembly is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,912,661, entitled “Z-ENCODER MECHANISM” which is hereby fullyincorporated by reference.

Scrolling, as used herein, describes the movement of an image relativeto a display screen in a particular direction as such term is commonlyused in the art. For example, the term “scroll down” as used hereinrelates to moving the viewable contents of a file (such as a textdocument or image) relative to display screen by an amount to produce aneffect of moving down in the document or image. Similarly, the termsscroll up, scroll left and scroll right relate to moving the viewablecontents of a file relative to a screen by an amount to produce aneffect of moving in the document or image up, left, and right,respectively. The term scrolling as used herein also includes panning,which is the automatic scrolling of an image.

In operation, a conventional scroll wheel is normally rotated about atransversely extending axis secured within a housing. An encoder wheelis coupled to the scroll wheel and rotates when the scroll wheelrotates. As the scroll wheel is rotated, an encoder senses the rotationof the encoder wheel, and delivers a corresponding signal to a hostcomputer. That signal can be used to move an image, as is known in theart and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,661. Notably, this allows auser to scroll the image without changing the position of the mouseand/or the cursor, and instead only requires rotating the scroll wheel(versus the entire mouse or other device) with a thumb or finger.However, displayable portions of spreadsheets and many other types ofdocuments and screen images are often wider than the display screen, andthe user must also scroll horizontally across the screen to see theentire file. When the user needs to move the image horizontally acrossthe display screen, the user must typically perform additional stepsbeyond what is required for vertical scrolling. This can includelocating a graphical user interface in the form of a horizontal scrollbar (usually located near the bottom of the display), positioning thecursor on the scroll bar, and then rotating the wheel. Locating thescroll bar can be very difficult for people with bad eyesight, smalldisplay screens and/or poor hand-eye coordination. Using a horizontalscroll bar also requires a user to shift his or her gaze from theportion of the document being viewed, and then relocate that portionafter horizontal scrolling. Even if the size of the horizonatl scrollbar and/or the screen resolution can be adjusted, the user mustnevertheless perform additional pointing tasks which are moretime-consuming and mentally intensive than simply rotating a wheel orpushing a button. Alternative graphically assisted tools for horizontalscrolling (e.g., positioning a cursor over a horizontal scroll bar,selecting the scroll bar, and moving the cursor) also require cursorrepositioning, and have similar drawbacks.

If the user does not accurately position the cursor over the horizontalscroll bar, the image will not scroll horizontally with respect to thedisplay screen as he or she operates the mouse cursor of the graphicalinterface or rotates the mouse wheel. Instead, when using the mousecursor on the graphical interface, nothing happens until he or she triesagain to position the mouse cursor correctly on the scroll bar's pointsof operation. Or, when using the mouse wheel, the image will movevertically relative to the display screen and erroneously change thedisplayed image. These errors will force the user to take additionalsteps to reposition the desired image on the display screen. These stepsinclude the user confirming that the cursor is not positioned on thehorizontal scroll bar and rotating the scroll wheel in the oppositedirection to return the image to its previous position. Unfortunately,repositioning an image can lead to errors if the image is being amended.For example, the user may not return the image to its previous position.As a result, he may amend the wrong section of the image. Even if theproper image or portion of an image is returned to the display screen,the user must still attempt to locate the bottom, horizontal scroll bara second time in order to finally move the image in a horizontaldirection.

Microside Corporation of Miami, Fla., offers a “Micro Scroll II” mousethat permits a user to scroll an image in multiple perpendiculardirections. This mouse includes a first rotatable wheel for scrolling animage up and down, and a second, separate rotatable wheel for scrollingan image left and right. The rotatable wheels are oriented so theyextend and rotate in planes that are perpendicular to each other. Thetwo scroll wheels are independently operable. However, this arrangementhas drawbacks. The two wheels take up limited space on the upper surfacearea on the mouse, which could be used for supporting the hand of theuser or for additional input keys. Further, the two wheels arerelatively small in size so as to accommodate both wheels on the uppersurface of the mouse. The smaller sized scroll wheels make the scrollingmore difficult to control. Additionally, the location of the horizontalscroll wheel can be inconvenient for effective control. Further, withthis design, it might be difficult for some users to easily reach andmanipulate both of the wheels.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved input devicesfacilitating scrolling in multiple directions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a peripheral device foruse with a computer to scroll an image relative to an image displayscreen along perpendicular axes. The device comprises a housing that hasat least one opening. The device also comprises a scroll wheel assemblythat is provided within the housing. The scroll wheel assembly includesa rotatable member positioned within the opening of the housing. Therotatable member is rotatable about an axis that extends within thehousing and is laterally movable within the opening relative to thehousing. The scroll wheel assembly also includes a movement sensingsystem that determines when the rotatable member is moved laterallyrelative to the housing.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a peripheral computerinput device for scrolling an image across a display screen inperpendicular directions. The device includes a housing and a scrollwheel assembly. The scroll wheel assembly includes a rotatable memberthat is laterally movable relative to the housing and a sensorpositioned within the housing for sensing lateral movement of therotatable member. The device also includes a controller coupled to thesensor. The controller is configured to generate a signal to scroll theimage across the display screen.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a computer input devicefor providing scrolling capabilities of an image relative to a displayscreen in first and second perpendicular scrolling directions. Thiscomputer input device includes a housing and a scroll wheel. The scrollwheel is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis to causescrolling of the image in the first direction. Additionally, thescrolling wheel is displaceable relative to the housing to causescrolling of the image in the second direction perpendicular to thefirst direction without the need for repositioning the peripheral deviceor repositioning the hand on the device.

The present invention also includes a method of scrolling an imagerelative to a display screen using an input device having a housing anda member that is rotatable relative to the housing. The method includesthe step of laterally moving the rotatable member relative to a plane inwhich the member is rotatable. The method also includes the step ofscrolling the image on the display screen in response to the laterallymoving step.

The device according to the present invention makes it easy for a userto scroll an image both horizontally and vertically relative to adisplay screen without repositioning the peripheral device.Additionally, the different types of wheel movements used by the presentinvention to cause scrolling in the perpendicular directions eliminateproblems and frustrations that may result from using the prior artdevices.

An aspect of the device is also directed to different external contoursof the scrolling member for scrolling an image relative to an imagedisplay screen. In one arrangement, a portion of the scrolling memberthat extends through the housing is formed by opposed convex curvedsurfaces and a centrally disposed ring raised from the opposed convexcurved surfaces. According to a more specific aspect, the externalsurface is formed by a ring extending around a portion of a sphere. Inan alternative arrangement, the scrolling member includes a concavefinger-positioning groove. The finger-engagable scrolling member istiltable relative to the housing and has a first portion rotatable aboutan axis extending within the housing.

In another aspect, the device for scrolling an image includes a housingwith an opening, and a finger-engagable control member in the housingwith a portion thereof extending through the opening for usermanipulation by a user. A rotation sensor is contained within of thefinger-engagable control member. This senses the rotation of the controlmember relative to the housing. The sensing arrangement is preferablyaccomplished by an encoder. The encoder may be arranged to transmitlight in a direction perpendicular or parallel to a tilting axis of thecontrol member. The encoder may include a rotating member thatperiodically obstructs and permits passage of light, or thatperiodically reflects and absorbs light.

Another aspect of the invention for scrolling an image relative to animage display screen includes a scroll wheel assembly having a fingerengaging portion exposed through an opening in the housing of thecomputer input device. The finger-engaging portion has first and secondportions exposed for manipulation and the first portion is rotatablymovable relative to the second portion. Additionally, the first andsecond portions are tiltable about an axis perpendicular to the axis ofrotation.

Yet another aspect of the input device for scrolling is that thefinger-engagable scrolling member has a rotatable portion extendingthrough an opening in the housing of the input device. The scrollingmember is mounted relative to the housing to be endlessly rotatableabout a first axis and tiltable about a second axis substantiallyperpendicular to the first axis. The second axis intersects thescrolling member. In an alternative arrangement, the second axis alsolies in the same plane as the first axis. This produces a high range ofangular movement. Preferably, the scrolling member is angularly movableabout the second axis in a range of motion in excess of 20 degrees, 40degrees, and/or 50 degrees.

Another aspect provides an input device for scrolling an image. Theinput device has a housing with an opening, and a scrolling assemblyincluding a finger-engagable scrolling member, a carriage, and anassembly carrier. The finger-engagable scrolling member has a firstportion that extends through the opening in the housing and is endlesslyrotatable relative to the carriage about a first axis. The carriage istiltable with the finger-engagable scrolling member relative to theassembly carrier about a second axis substantially perpendicular to thefirst axis. Further, assembly carrier is movable within the housing withthe finger-engagable scrolling member and the carriage. This arrangementprovides Z-switch functionality.

In another aspect relative to the scrolling device, a cover having anaperture therein. A portion of the scrolling member extends through theaperture and an opening in the housing. The scrolling cover is tiltablewith the scrolling member. This cover closes the area around the openingin the housing and protects internal components from dust and othersubstances. The cover may include convexly curved sides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an input device according to the present inventionfor scrolling an image on a display screen of a host computer.

FIG. 2 shows an input device according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows an input device according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate alternative shapes for the rotatable members shownin FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a scroll wheel assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the scroll wheel assembly of FIG. 7including a movement sensing system.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a scroll wheel assembly including amovement sensing system according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a scroll wheel assembly including amovement sensing system according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a scroll wheel assembly including amovement sensing system according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a scroll wheel assembly including amovement sensing system according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a scroll wheel assembly including amovement sensing system according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a rotatable member that is laterallymoveable along a shaft according to the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a cross section of the rotatable member illustrated in FIG.14 A taken along the line 14 B-B.

FIG. 14C is a schematic view of a scroll wheel assembly including therotatable member shown in FIG. 14A with a movement sensing systemaccording to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15 and 16 schematically illustrate a scroll wheel assemblyincluding a movement sensing system according to an eighth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a scroll wheel assembly that pivotsabout an axis within the housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a mouse having a tilting scroll wheelassembly that pivots about an axis within the housing of the mouse.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the tilting scroll wheelassembly.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the tilting scroll wheel assembly

FIG. 21 is an exploded front perspective assembly view of the tiltingscroll wheel assembly.

FIG. 22 is an exploded rear perspective assembly view of the tiltingscroll wheel assembly.

FIG. 23 is a schematic sectional view of the of the tilting scroll wheelassembly.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary tilting scrollwheel assembly.

FIG. 25 is an exploded partial rear perspective assembly view of thetilting scroll wheel assembly of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a second rear perspective view of the tilting scroll wheelassembly of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the tilting scroll wheel assembly of FIG.24.

FIG. 28 is a partial schematic sectional view of the of the tiltingscroll wheel assembly of FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a mouse having a tilting scrollingdevice with an external contour according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 30 shows an enlarged schematic view of the scrolling device of FIG.29 in isolation.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a mouse having a tilting scroll wheelassembly with an external contour according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a mouse having a tilting scrollingdevice with an external contour according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show enlarged view of the scrolling device of FIG. 32 inisolation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the figures, an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a scroll wheel assembly 10 having a rotatable member30, 40 (scroll wheel) that can be used with different types of computerinput devices for scrolling an image 1 in multiple directions and alongmultiple axes (X, Y) relative to a display screen 2 used with a hostcomputer 8, another type of computing device, or an internet appliance.As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the scroll wheel assembly 10according to the present invention can be located within a mouse 60. Asshown in FIG. 3, another embodiment of the scroll wheel assembly 10 canbe located within a keyboard 50. In addition to these illustratedembodiments, the scroll wheel assemblies can also be located withinother peripheral, computer input devices such as a trackball device or asimilar input device. For example, the scroll wheel assemblies couldalso be located in the bezel of a hand-held computer, a larger portablecomputing device, a web pad, or Internet appliance, or could be locatedon the chassis of a laptop computer. Like the keyboard 50 and the mouse60, these other known peripheral devices can have wired or wirelessconnections to the host computer 8 as is known in the art. The scrollwheel assembly 10 can alternatively be located in a computer monitor orin the base portion of a laptop computer. As described in more detailhereinafter, in addition to its normal rotational movement for verticalscrolling, the rotatable member 30, 40 may be moved laterally tohorizontally scroll an image on the display screen 2.

As used herein, the term “lateral” to describe motion of the rotatablemember includes the general side-to-side movement of a rotatable member30, 40 within an opening of an input device in a direction that is at anangle to the plane in which the rotatable member 30, 40 is rotated. Thisside-to-side movement is generally in the direction of the sidewalls ofthe opening and can be along an axis extending perpendicular to theplane of rotation of the rotatable member 30, 40. Lateral motion alsoincludes axi-lateral motion, which as used herein, is the movement ofthe rotatable member 30, 40 along the axis about which it rotates.Additionally, lateral motion can include pivoting motion experienced bythe rotatable member when it is pivoted in a direction that extends atan angle to its plane of rotation in the direction of the sidewalls ofthe opening of the input device. As used herein, the terms“displacement” and “translation” of the rotatable member describes allother movement of the rotatable member other than its rotation about theaxis about which it rotates.

As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the scroll wheel assembly 10comprises a rotatable member, such as a circular disk-shaped scrollwheel 30 positioned within an elongated opening 65 in a housing 61 ofthe mouse 60. A portion of the wheel 30 protrudes away from the outersurface of the mouse 60 so that it can be contacted and manipulated by auser. In a second embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the rotatable member ofthe scroll wheel assembly 10 includes an elongated cylindrically shapedwheel 40 secured within an opening 55 of a housing 51 for the keyboard50. Like the disk-shaped wheel 30, a portion of the cylindrically shapedwheel 40 protrudes above the keyboard 50 outer surface so that it can beeasily contacted and manipulated by a user.

Other shapes capable of rotating relative to a housing can also be usedfor the rotatable members of the scroll wheel assembly 10. For example,wheel 40 could have a circular cross section of constant diameter asshown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the wheel 40 could have a circular crosssection with a central region 41 that has a reduced diameter (concaveprofile) as shown in FIG. 5, or a central region 42 with an increaseddiameter (convex profile) as shown in FIG. 6. The contoured centralregions 41, 42 of the wheels 40 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are formedbetween curved side surfaces 47 and 48, respectively. The concaveprofile of the wheel in FIG. 5 enables the user to place a finger in thecentral region 41 and move the wheel 40 laterally by pushing left orright against a side surface 47 or 48 (i.e., inside-out manipulation).With the scroll wheel 40 in FIG. 6, the contoured side surfaces 47 and48 assist in the outside-in manipulation of the wheel 40.

The outer surface of the rotatable wheels 30, 40 of the scroll wheelassembly 10 may include a rubber coating and/or grooves that arecontacted by the user's finger in order to enhance scrolling control.Alternatively, the rotatable wheels 30, 40 can be provided with othertypes of slip resistant arrangements, such as a multi-textured coatingsor a knurled surface. With regard to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, the contoured regions 47, 48 may be covered by the rubbermaterial or slip resistant material that facilitates both the rotationalmovement that causes the image 1 to scroll along a Y-axis 4 and thelateral movement that causes the image 1 to scroll along an X-axis 5.

For clarity, the present invention will be discussed as embodied in thekeyboard 50 as illustrated in FIG. 3. However, it should be understoodthat the discussion of the scroll wheel assembly 10 is equallyapplicable for use in a mouse 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, andthe other peripheral devices, for example trackball devices. It shouldalso be understood that the description of the movement of thecylindrical-shaped wheel 40 as a scroll wheel relative to the housing 51and the scrolling of the image 1 is equally applicable to thedisk-shaped wheel 30.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wheel 40 is positioned within the keyboard 50 sothat it extends through the opening 55 in the keyboard housing 51. Thecylindrical shaped wheel 40 is positioned about and secured to a shaft56 that defines an axis 52 extending substantially parallel to thelength of the keyboard 50 and across opening 55. The wheel 40 can bekeyed, adhered or otherwise attached to the shaft 56 in order to preventrelative movement between itself and the shaft 56. Alternatively, thecylindrical shaped wheel 40 and the shaft 56 may be integrally formedtogether. As described in conjunction with FIGS. 14 a-14 c, the wheel 40may be coupled to the shaft 56 in a manner where the wheel 40 may bemoved laterally relative to the shaft 56 when moved along the axis 52but the shaft 56 will rotate with the wheel 40 about the axis 52. In yetanother embodiment, not shown, the wheel 40 moves relative to the shaft56 in rotational and lateral directions, i.e., both along the axis 52and about the axis 52. The wheel 40 preferably has an outer diameter inthe range of about 0.25 inches to about 2.0 inches, and more preferablyhas an outer diameter in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 1.5inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the wheel 40 is about0.875 inch. The wheel 40 can also have a length along the axis 52 ofabout 0.25 to about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel 40has a length of about 1.125 inches. Further, in the preferred embodimentas used in the keyboard, the length of the wheel 40 is greater than itsdiameter.

The shaft 56 may be coupled to the peripheral device 50, 60 in anydesired manner that achieves the described functionality. FIG. 7illustrates a first embodiment where, a first end 57 and a second end 58of the shaft 56 are each rotatably and slidably received within supportstands 59 with U-shaped openings, rings attached to the interior surfaceof the housing 51 or other similar supports that permit the shaft 56 torotate and slide along the axis 52 relative to the keyboard housing 51.Similarly, the supports 59 could also be positioned along the length ofshaft 56 so that they are spaced from ends 57, 58.

According to the present invention, when the user wants to scroll theimage 1 on the display screen 2 in multiple directions along multipleaxes 4, 5, he or she will both rotate and/or laterally move the wheel 40relative to the keyboard housing 51 to produce vertical and/or lateralscrolling, respectively. In a manner known in the art, when thecylindrical shaped wheel 40 and shaft 56 are rotated by the user, therotational motion is sensed by a rotational movement sensing system 87and the image 1 is scrolled in either a positive or a negative verticaldirection that extends parallel to the Y-axis 4, i.e., either up ordown. Any known sensing system may be used. One rotational movementsensing system 53 that can be included is schematically illustrated inFIG. 7 and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,661 which has beenincorporated by reference. As known in the art, this rotational movementsensing system can include a light source, an encoder wheel, and a lightdetector. Blades on the encoder wheel periodically obstruct the lightbeam when the wheel 40 is rotated. The detector senses theseobstructions and is coupled to a controller 11 to generate and relay asignal to the host computer 8 to scroll the image in the Y-direction upor down.

Additionally, the scroll wheel assembly 10 includes a lateral movementsensing system 70 having at least one sensor 71 that determines when thecylindrical shaped wheel 40 is experiencing lateral motion. The scrollwheel assembly 10 also includes the controller 11 for interpreting theoutput from the sensor, converting it to a signal and delivering thesignal to the host computer 8. The controller 11 can be any knowncomponent or combination of components that can perform these functions.In one embodiment, the controller 11 includes a microprocessor 95connected to the sensor 71 that generates a signal for the host computer8 indicating when the wheel 40 is being laterally moved. The generatedsignal controls the scrolling of the image 1 along the X-axis 5 inresponse to a force that causes the wheel 40 to move laterally. Thesignal scrolls the image 1 in a manner that is consistent with thedirection and magnitude of the applied force, i.e., either left orright. Lateral movement of the wheel 40 according to the presentinvention includes both linear (i.e., axi-lateral) movement of the wheel40 relative to the housing 51 and tilting or pivoting the wheel 40 in alateral direction.

As seen in the example of FIG. 8, the sensor 71 may be positionedproximate an end 57, 58 of the shaft 56. Alternatively, the sensor(s) 71can be secured to an inner surface 53 of the housing 51 as illustratedin FIG. 9 for contacting the sidewalls 42 of the wheel 40. The sensors71 according to the invention include contact sensors 72, a straingauges 73 or biased force plates 74 as discussed below. Additionally,other well-known pressure and movement sensors such as optical sensorsand/or mercury switches can also be used.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the keyboard 50 includes acontact sensor 72 positioned proximate each end 57, 58 of the shaft 56.These contact sensors 72 may be spaced away from the ends 57, 58 so thatminor, unintended lateral movement of the wheel 40 will not result inthe shaft 56 making contact with one of the sensors 72. In both of theseembodiments, the contact sensors 72 may be positioned at a location thatcorresponds to the maximum allowable displacement of the shaft 56 withinthe housing 51.

Contact sensors 72 generate a signal that is interpreted by amicroprocessor 95 and relayed to the host computer 8 after they havebeen contacted by an end 57, 58 of the shaft, a sidewall 42 of the wheel40 or any other structure extending from the wheel 40 or shaft 56 suchas a flange. As a result, when a user wants to move the image 1 alongthe X-axis 5, he or she will move the wheel 40 laterally relative to theopening 55 so that the shaft 56 slides within the housing 51 in the samedirection that he or she desires to scroll until the appropriate contactsensor 72 is engaged. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, scrollingwill start after one end 57, 58 of the shaft 56 makes contact with oneof the contact sensors 72. In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 9, thescrolling will start after a sidewall 42 or other portion of the wheel40 engages one of the contact sensors 72 positioned between the ends 57,58 of the shaft 56.

The horizontal scrolling may be affected in a number of ways in responseto a sensor 72 detecting the lateral movement of the wheel 40, directlyor via the shaft 56. In a first embodiment, the image 1 will scrollacross the screen 2 at a constant, predetermined speed, i.e., panning.The scrolling speed may be programmed, set, or changed by a user via anyknown technique. Alternatively, the horizontal scrolling may be timesensitive to the shifting of the wheel 40. For example, the scrollingmay be at a first speed when the wheel 40 is laterally displaced for afirst period of time. If the wheel 40 is laterally displaced longer thanthat first period of time, the scrolling speed may be increased. Inanother arrangement, lateral scrolling can be detected and controlledwhen lateral movement reaches a specified pressure, as determined bypressure sensors at each end. With the use of pressure sensors in thisarrangement, the sensed pressure can also be used to determine the rateof horizontal scrolling. This could be accomplished by the use ofpressure sensors with continuous sensing capabilities and by sensing thecontinuous pressure level, or by the use of pressure sensors withdiscrete sensing and the determination of one or more levels ofpressure.

A system for physically biasing the wheel 40 to a central position isalso preferably used. One embodiment for achieving this is shown in FIG.8. The shaft 56 may include a flange 80 affixed thereto. One or moresprings 82 are preferably positioned between the flange 80 and structureon the housing such as support 59. The spring 82 may be cantilevermounted such that it is fixed to the support 59 at one end 84 andfrictionally engages the flange 80 at its other free end 86. The spring82 will bias the wheel 40 to a central position. Preferably, the deviceincludes such an arrangement on both sides of the wheel 40, if desired.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the sensing system 70 includessensors, which take the form of two strain gauges 73 that cooperate withthe shaft 56 for causing horizontal scrolling. In this embodiment, onestrain gauge 73 is positioned at each end 57, 58 of the shaft 56.Alternatively, the strain gauges 73 could be positioned within thehousing 51 at locations spaced from the ends 57, 58 for engaging withthe sides of the wheel 40 as shown in FIG. 11, or at any other desiredlocation. Each strain gauge 73 may include a compressible/extendablemember 77 that is operatively connected to a microprocessor 95 forgenerating an electrical signal that controls the position of the image1 relative to the display screen 2 as discussed above. The member 77 isalso rotatably coupled to a support member 94 (FIG. 10) or 95 (FIG. 11)so that the member 77 can rotate as the wheel 40 is rotated, or to thewheel 40 so that the wheel 40 will rotate relative to the compressiblemember 77. If desired, low friction plates may be used.

As seen in both FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the compressible/extendable member77 can include or be a spring, such as a helical spring. When the shaft56 moves in a first direction within the housing 54, the spring 77 ofthe strain gauge 73 that is opposite the direction of the shaft movementwill be extended while the spring 77 of the strain gauge 73 that is inthe direction of the shaft movement will be compressed. The straingauges 73 can be set so that either the compression or extension oftheir springs 77 will cause the microprocessor 95 to generate a signalthat results in horizontal scrolling, and preferably in the direction ofthe movement of the wheel. Therefore, if the user moves the wheel 40 orthe wheel 40 and shaft 56 to the right, it will cause the image toscroll right. Similarly, if the user moves the wheel 40 or the wheel 40and shaft 56 to the left, it will cause the image to scroll left. Theimage can move at a constant speed or a speed that is a function of theextension or compressive forces experienced by the spring 77. In theseembodiments, the springs 77 also serve to bias the wheel 40 into acentral position.

Although the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 have beendescribed as including two strain gauges 73, it is possible for thepresent invention to operate properly with only one strain gauge 73. Inthis instance, the spring 77 of the strain gauge 73 could be secured toone of the ends 57, 58 of the shaft 56 or to one of the sidewalls 42. Asa result, when the shaft 56 is moved in a first lateral direction, thespring 77 will be compressed. Similarly, when the shaft 56 is moved in asecond lateral direction, the spring 77 will be extended. The straingauge 73 could be electrically connected to the microprocessor 95 sothat when spring 77 is compressed, scrolling occurs in a firstdirection, and when the spring 77 is extended, scrolling occurs in asecond, opposite direction.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the force plate 74includes a contact plate member 75, and a sensor and a spring 76,coupled to a microprocessor 95 so that the image 1 will move in responseto one of the springs 76 being compressed. As discussed above, the forceplates 74 can each be located at one end 57, 58 of the shaft 56 forcooperating with the ends 57, 58. Alternatively, the force plates 74 caneach be located at a point between the end of the shaft 56 and theopening 55 for cooperating with a sidewall 42 of the wheel 40 inresponse to movement of the shaft 56.

As with the other above embodiments, the shaft 56 preferably slideswithin housing 51 relative to the opening 55 and the force plates 74 inresponse to pressure being applied to the wheel 40. As pressure isapplied to the wheel 40, one end 57, 58 of the shaft 56 or one of thesidewalls 42 will make contact with the contact plate 75 and begin tocompress the spring 76 in the direction that the shaft 56 is moving. Inresponse to the contact being made with the plate 75, an associatedcontroller or microprocessor 95 will generate an image scrolling signalthat will be delivered to the host computer 8. Additionally, the rate ofcompression experienced by the spring 76 can also be interpreted by themicroprocessor. In this instance, the microprocessor will generate asignal for controlling the scrolling speed. The scrolling speed could bea function of the compression rate of the spring 76, the force appliedto the spring, or a combination of the two. For example, when the plate75 on the left side of the housing 51 is engaged, the image will beginto scroll to the left at a first rate. As more pressure is applied tothe plate 75 and the spring 76, the rate at which the image scrolls willincrease.

As shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 c, the wheel 40 can slide along the shaft 56relative to the housing 54. In this embodiment, the wheel 40 includes awheel assembly 45 that has an internal bearing surface 46 that can causethe shaft 56 to rotate as the user turns the wheel 40, so that verticalscrolling can occur. The bearing surface 46 also permits the scrollwheel 10 to slide along the shaft 56 within the opening 55 (shown inFIG. 4) in a direction that is parallel to axis 52. Thus, as shown, theexternal surface of the shaft 56 is shaped complimentary to the internalsurface of the wheel 40. The shaft 56 may be secured against movementrelative to the keyboard housing 51 in any known manner. As a result,the movement of the wheel 40 along and relative to the shaft 56determines the direction that the image scrolls across the screen 2. Anyof the above-discussed embodiments of the sensing system 70 that contactthe sidewalls 42 of the wheel 40 can be used with the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 14. For example, a strain gauge 73 can be coupled toone or both sidewalls 42 of the wheel 40. This can be accomplished inone arrangement by positioning a first end of the spring 77 within agroove 93 at the end of the wheel 40 as shown in FIG. 14C. The openingto the groove 93 may be smaller than a head at the first end of thespring 77 so that the spring 77 will rotate within the groove 93 whenthe wheel 40 is rotated, and will not pull out of the groove 93 when thewheel 40 is moved laterally. Hence, when the wheel 40 is movedlaterally, the spring 77 of the strain gauge 73 will be eithercompressed or extended. When the spring 77 is compressed or extended,the microprocessor will generate a signal that causes horizontalscrolling.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present inventionin which the wheel 40 is secured to a floating axle or shaft 156positioned within the housing 51. Floating, as used herein, relates tothe ability of the shaft 156 to move substantially freely in thevertical direction within the housing 51 because the supports 110holding the shaft 156 are not rigidly positioned within the housing 51.In this embodiment, if the user wants to scroll, he or she will depressand slightly move the wheel 40 laterally within the opening 55 in thesame direction that he or she wishes to scroll.

In this embodiment, the shaft 156 is supported by biased supports 110 onopposite sides of the wheel 40. Each biased support 110 includes acradle 111 for holding the shaft 156 and a biasing member 112 such as ahelical or other type of spring. Each cradle 111 can be supported withinthe housing 51 by a set of vertical receiving slots. These slots can besized so that enough tolerance exists between the slots and the cradles111 enabling the cradles 111 to move within their slots in directionsother than vertical when the user contacts the wheel 40. Alternatively,the slots can be sized so that the cradles 111 are tightly surrounded bythe slots and experience substantially only vertical movement. As aresult, in this alternative embodiment, when a user contacts the wheel40, the cradles 111 will not move laterally relative to the housing ortoward the front and back of the housing 51. As shown in FIG. 15, eachbiasing member 112 may be secured or otherwise coupled to the interiorsurface 53 of the housing 51.

A movement sensing system 70 can be secured within housing 51 fordetermining the direction of scrolling in response to the movement ofthe shaft 156. Any of the above-discussed embodiments of the sensingsystem 70 could be used with the floating shaft 156 to determine whenthe shaft 56 and/or wheel 40 have been moved and the direction of thismovement. As with the other sensing system, the sensing system 70 usedwith shaft 156 will cause the image 1 to horizontally scroll. If one ormore strain gauges 73 are used to determine the movement of the shaft156, each strain gauge 73 could be connected to one end 57, 58 of theshaft 56 or to one sidewall 42 of the wheel 40 as discussed above.Alternatively, the biasing member 112 could form the resilient portionof the strain gauge 73. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, themovement of the shaft 156 can be sensed by positioning the strain gauges73 or the force plates 74 (not shown) below the shaft 156 so that therelative downward forces at the right and left sides of the shaft 156can be detected.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the wheel 40 may be securedwithin the keyboard so that it pivots in response to the application ofpressure. In this embodiment, the wheel 40 is supported by a shaft 256that is held by a bracket 258 or the like that pivots about a fixedshaft 260. The shaft 260 extends perpendicular to the length of shaft256. Other known ways of pivoting shaft can also be used. In thisembodiment, the entire wheel 40 and shaft 256 pivot relative to thehousing 51. Therefore, when one side of the wheel 40 is pushed down, thewheel 40 will experience lateral pivotal motion relative to the housing51 that is sensed by an employed one of the above-discussed positionsensing systems 70.

FIGS. 18-34 depict alternative embodiments and arrangements of thepresent invention. In the depicted embodiments, the scroll wheelassemblies are laterally pivotal. As shown in FIG. 18, a scroll wheelassembly 310 has a finger-engagable control member 330 that can be usedwith different types of computer input devices for scrolling an image inmultiple directions and along multiple axes (X, Y) relative to a displayscreen used with a computer or another type of computing device asdepicted in FIG. 1, or an internet appliance. As shown in FIG. 18, oneembodiment of the scroll wheel assembly 310 according to the presentinvention can be located within a mouse 360. In a conventional manner,the mouse 360 also includes a housing 302 and depressible actuators suchas primary and secondary keys 314 and 316. The housing 302 has anopening 305 therein. The scroll wheel assembly 310 is mounted within thehousing 302. A portion of the finger-engagable control member 330 isexposed by and extends through the opening 305 so that it can be easilycontacted and manipulated by a user. As described in more detailhereinafter, in addition to at least of portion of the scroll wheelassembly 310 being rotational front to rear or rear to front forvertical scrolling, the rotatable member 330 may be pivoted laterally(i.e., side-to-side) to horizontally scroll an image on the displayscreen, or cause another action by the computer.

An alternative embodiment of the scroll wheel assembly 310 can belocated within a keyboard and a portion thereof exposed for manipulationthrough a hole in the housing, such as shown in other figures withinthis application. In addition to these illustrated embodiments, thescroll wheel assembly 310 can also be located within other computerinput devices such as a trackball device or a similar input device. Forexample, it could also be located in the bezel of a hand-held computer,a larger portable computing device, a web pad, or Internet appliance, orcould be located on the chassis of a laptop computer. Any of thesecomputer input devices can have wired or wireless connections to thehost computer as is known in the art. The scroll wheel assembly 310 canalternatively be located in a computer monitor or in the base portion ofa laptop computer.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19-22, the finger-engagable control member 330of the scroll wheel assembly 310 includes a rotatable portion 332 and aportion 334 that is stationary relative to the rotatable portion 332.The finger-engagable control member 330 is supported within a gimblestructure/tilting carriage 340 permitting the endless rotation of thefinger-engagable control member 330 relative to the carriage 340 about alaterally oriented axis. The carriage 340 preferably occupies at least aportion of the lower half of the finger-engagable control member 330 andleaves the upper portion of the finger-engagable control member 330unobstructed to facilitate user manipulation. Exemplary structureachieving this capability includes left and right axle portions 342 and344 that protrude laterally from opposing sides of the finger-engagablecontrol member 330 and axle receiving openings 346 and 348 in thecarriage 340 for the respective axle portions 342 and 344. In analternative arrangement, not shown, axle portions may be provided on thecarriage 340 and axle-receiving openings may be provided on thefinger-engagable control member 330.

The axle portion 342 on the stationary portion 334 does not rotaterelative to its axle receiving opening 346. This fixed relationship isprovided by adding a slot 343 or other keyed structure, and anappropriately sized opening 346 that prevents relative rotationaldisplacement. On the rotatable portion 332 of the finger-engagablecontrol member 330, the axle portion 344 can pivot freely relative toits axle receiving opening 348. Thus, when the finger-engagable controlmember 330 is rotated in the direction of arrow 400 (about axis 400 a),and more specifically when a center region 336, which is preferablyraised, of the finger-engagable control member 330 is rotated in thedirection of arrow 400, its coupling to the carriage 340 tends to causethe rotation of only rotatable portion 332 relative to the stationaryportion 334.

To further facilitate the relative rotation between rotatable portion332 and the stationary portion 334, a portion of the rotatable portion332 and a portion of the stationary portion 334 overlap along the axisof endless rotation 400 a. Specifically, in this overlapping region, theradial outer peripheral surface 335 of stationary portion 334 and theradial inner surface 333 of movable portion 332 form interfacing annularsurfaces. The outer peripheral surface 335 of stationary portion 334provides a bearing and aligning surface for the movable portion 332 andwill also aid in the balancing of the rotation of the movable portion332 about axis 400 a.

Rotation of movable portion of the finger-engagable control member 330in the direction of arrow 400 is preferably sensed internally within thefinger-engagable control member 330 (and within an area generallydefined by the stationary portion 334 and the rotatable portion 332) asshown in the figures, but may be sensed externally if desired. Anexemplary arrangement for sensing the rotation of the rotatable section332 of finger-engagable control member 330 is shown in FIGS. 21-23.

As seen in FIGS. 21-23, the rotational sensing system for sensing therotation of the rotatable section 332 of finger-engagable control member330 utilizes a reflection encoder method wherein an encoder 381transmits lights and senses light reflected from an encoder wheel 382.The encoder 381 and the encoder wheel 382 are oriented so that the lightis transmitted in a direction parallel to the axis 400 a of rotation ofwheel 382. The encoder wheel 382 includes angularly spaced alternatingreflective and non-reflective sections that can be distinguished by theencoder 381 so that the angular displacement between the encoder wheel382 and the encoder 381 can be determined. This contrast in lightreflecting capability can be caused by etching and not etching angularlyspaced regions in the side of the encoder wheel 382 that faces theencoder 381. When the rotatable section 332 is rotated, thenon-reflective sections on the encoder wheel 382 periodically absorb thelight from the beam, and the reflective sections on the encoder wheel382 reflect the light from the beam back to its light-receivingdetector. The detector senses these interruptions and is coupled to acontroller to generate and relay a signal to the host computer to scrollthe image in the Y-direction up or down based on the amount of rotationand the direction of rotation. Alternatively, in lieu of the depictedarrangement, the encoder may utilize separated transmitters andreceivers with light passing through (instead of reflecting from) anencoder wheel and/or the light may be transmitted in a directionperpendicular to the axis 400 a of rotation of wheel 382 such as shownin conjunction with the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 24-28.

In the depicted exemplary arrangement, the encoder 381 is coupled to thestationary portion 334 and the encoder wheel 382 is coupled to rotatableportion 332. The encoder 381 is electronically and structurally coupledto a printed circuit board 383 that is preferably mounted within and tothe interior of the stationary portion 334. This mounting arrangementcan be accomplished by holes 384 in the printed circuit board 383,mounting hardware 385 such as screws, and threaded holes 386 in thestationary portion 334 that receive the mounting hardware 385. Wireleads 387 electrically couple the printed circuit board 383 to a mainprinted circuit board, not shown, in the mouse 360 or other computerinput device. This enables signals from the encoder 381 to betransmitted to a computer 8 or the like. An aperture 388 is preferablyprovided so that the leads 387 may extend through the wall of thestationary portion 334.

The encoder wheel 382 is structurally mounted within and to the interiorof the rotatable portion 332 by any suitable arrangement. For example,in one arrangement, as depicted, the encoder wheel 382 may have acentrally located hole. The interior of the rotatable portion 332preferably includes spacers 389, which may take the form of spokes, andan alignment shaft 390. The encoder wheel 382 is positioned over thealignment shaft 390 and spaced by the spacers 389. Either hardware 391or a press fit arrangement may be used to lock the encoder wheel 382 toshaft 390. It is recognized that alternative mounting arrangements maybe used for the encoder and encoder wheel in lieu of the depictedarrangement.

The carriage 340 is coupled to an assembly carrier 350 in a mannerpermitting the lateral pivoting of the carriage 340 relative to thecarrier 350. Such an arrangement provides the user the ability to rotatethe rotatable portion 332 in either opposing direction shown by arrow400, and the ability to engage either the rotatable portion 332 or thestationary portion 334 and laterally pivot the finger-engagable controlmember 330 relative to the carrier 350 in either opposing directionshown by arrow 402. Such pivoting causes rotation of thefinger-engagable control member 330 about axis 402 a . Exemplarystructure achieving this capability at the front of the carriage 340, asseen in FIGS. 19 and 21, includes an axle portion 352 that protrudesfrom the front side of the carriage 340 and an axle receiving opening353 in the front of the assembly carrier 350 for receiving the axleportion 352. If desired, similar structure could be used at the rear ofthe carriage 340.

The arrangement depicted in FIGS. 19-22 combines the mechanical pivotinginterface with a tilt sensor. Exemplary structure achieving thiscapability at the rear of the carriage 340, as seen in FIGS. 21 and 22,includes a potentiometer 370 that includes a stationary body 371 and arotating axle 372 mounted for rotation within the stationary body 371.In a manner known in the art, the potentiometer senses the angulardisplacement of the rotating axle 372 relative to the stationary body371. The stationary body 371 is preferably fixed to the assembly carrier350 by any desired arrangement such as by locking clips 373. Therotating axle 372 is fixed to the carriage 340 in such a manner thatangular displacement of the carriage 340 causes direct angular rotationof the axle 372. One arrangement for such a coupling is to provide athrough opening 374 in the rear of the assembly carrier 350, so that therotating axle 372 extends through the opening 374 and is fixed to thecarriage 340. The axle 372 or a portion thereof may be keyed and an axlereceiver 376 is provided on the rear of the carriage 340 that provide amating keyed interface to prevent relative rotational movement betweenthe axle 372 and the axle receiver 376 when assembled. Signalsindicative of the sensed rotation are transmitted from leads 377 on thepotentiometer 370 to the main circuit board on the mouse 360 or othercomputer input device. Alternatively, an encoder wheel and light sensorarrangement may be used to sense the tilting. In lieu of a system thatprovides signals relative to degrees of tilt about axis 402 a, such aspotentiometer 370, tilting sensors that detects one or more discretetilt points, such as contact switches as depicted in FIGS. 24-28 may beused.

The carriage 340 is biased to a neutral position with respect to itstilting relative to assembly carrier 350. This biasing is preferablyaccomplished by a spring. An exemplary arrangement is to use a tensionspring 320 coupled at its ends to the carriage 340 and the assemblycarrier 350. The spring 320 may be disposed below the carriage 340 andthe finger-engagable control member 330. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, aflange 322 is an integral part of the spring 320 and the bottom of thecarriage may have a hole 324 therein. The hole 324 is sized, oralternatively shaped, such that the spring 320, when assembled, extendsthrough the hole 324 but the flange 322 may not. The upper end of thespring 320 includes a hook 326 that is configured to attach to loop orsimilar structure, not shown, on the bottom of the carriage 340. Suchstructure include be a hole in a rib on the bottom of axle receiver 376.This arrangement provides a tension force to bias the carriage to aneutral position. Preferably, the center portion of the finger-engagablecontrol member 330 extends perpendicularly to the opening 305 in thehousing 302 of the mouse 360 or other computer input device includingthe scroll wheel assembly 310. In an alternative biasing arrangement,such as shown in conjunction with FIGS. 24-27, a torsion biasing springmay be used in lieu of the tension spring 320. Alternative biasingarrangements may be utilized.

In use, when the user wants to scroll the image 1 on the display screen2 in multiple directions along multiple axes 4, 5, he or she will bothrotate and/or laterally move the wheel assembly 410 relative to thehousing 302 to produce vertical and/or lateral scrolling, respectively.When the rotational portion 332 of the scroll wheel assembly 410 isrotated by the user in the direction of arrow 400, the rotational motionis sensed by a rotational movement sensing system 381 and 382 and theimage 1 is scrolled in either a positive or a negative verticaldirection that extends parallel to the Y-axis 4, i.e., either up ordown. When the scroll wheel assembly 410 (either the rotational portion332 or the stationary portion 334) is laterally tilted by the user inthe direction of arrow 402, the tilting motion is sensed by a tiltingsensing system 370-372 and the image 1 is scrolled in either a positiveor a negative horizontal direction that extends parallel to the X-axis4, i.e., either left or right.

FIGS. 24-27 depict an alternative exemplary embodiment a scroll wheelassembly 410 having a finger-engagable control member 430 of the presentinvention. The scroll wheel assembly 410 is used with a mouse or othertypes of computer input devices as previously described and depicted forscrolling an image in multiple directions and along multiple axes (X, Y)relative to a display screen used with a host computer, another type ofcomputing device, or an Internet appliance.

The scroll wheel assembly 410 is mounted within a housing having anopening therein. A portion of the finger-engagable control member 430 isexposed by and extends through the opening so that it can be easilycontacted and manipulated by a user. As described in more detailhereinafter, in addition to at least of portion of the scroll wheelassembly 410 being rotational front to rear or rear to front forvertical scrolling, the rotatable member 430 may be pivoted laterally(i.e., side-to-side) to horizontally scroll an image on the displayscreen, or cause another action by the computer.

The finger-engagable control member 430 of the scroll wheel assembly 410includes a rotatable portion 432 and a portion 434 that is stationaryrelative to the rotatable portion 432. The finger-engagable controlmember 430 is supported within a gimble structure/tiltable carriage 440permitting the endless rotation of a portion of the finger-engagablecontrol member 430 relative to the carriage 440 about a laterallyoriented axis. The carriage 440 preferably encloses at least a portionof the lower half of the finger-engagable control member 430 and leavesthe upper portion of the finger-engagable control member 430unobstructed to facilitate user manipulation. Exemplary structureachieving this capability includes opposing axle portions 442 and 444that protrude laterally from opposing sides of the finger-engagablecontrol member 430 and axle receiving openings 446 and 448 in thecarriage 440 for the respective axle portions 442 and 444. In analternative arrangement, not shown, axle portions may be provided on thecarriage 440 and axle-receiving openings may be provided on thefinger-engagable control member 430.

The axle portion 442 on the stationary portion 434 does not rotaterelative to its axle receiving opening 446. This fixed relationship isprovided by a non-circular shaped axle portion 442 or another keyedstructure, and an appropriately sized and shaped opening 446 thatprevents relative rotational displacement. On the rotatable portion 432of the finger-engagable control member 430, the axle portion 444 canpivot freely relative to its axle receiving opening 448. Thus, when thefinger-engagable control member 430 is rotated in the direction of arrow500 (about axis 500 a), and more specifically when the center region 436of the finger-engagable control member 430 is rotated in the directionof arrow 500, its coupling to the carriage 440 tends to cause therotation of only rotatable portion 432 relative to the stationaryportion 434.

To further facilitate the relative rotation between rotatable portion432 and the stationary portion 434, a portion of the rotatable portion432 and a portion of the stationary portion 434 overlap along the axisof endless rotation 500 a. Specifically, in this overlapping region, theradial outer peripheral surface 435 of stationary portion 434 and theradial inner surface 433 of movable portion 432 form interfacing annularsurfaces. The outer peripheral surface 435 of stationary portion 434provides a bearing and aligning surface for the movable portion 432 andwill also aid in the balancing of the rotation of the movable portion432 about axis 500 a.

Rotation of movable portion of the finger-engagable control member 430in the direction of arrow 500 is preferably sensed internally within thefinger-engagable control member 430 as shown in the figures, but may besensed externally if desired. An exemplary arrangement for sensing therotation of the rotatable section 432 of finger-engagable control member430 is shown in FIGS. 26 and 28.

The rotational sensing system for sensing the rotation of the rotatablesection 432 of finger-engagable control member 430 utilizes an encodermethod wherein an encoder includes a light transmitter 481 a thattransmits lights in a direction towards a separate light detector 481 b.An encoder ring 482 includes angularly alternating obstructions 482 aand gaps 482 b such that light from transmitter 481 a can pass throughgaps 482 b between the obstructions 481 a. The obstructions 482 a on theencoder ring 482 periodically obstruct the light beam when the rotatablesection 432 is rotated. The detector 481 b senses these obstructions andis coupled to a controller to generate and relay a signal to the hostcomputer to scroll the image in the Y-direction up or down based on thedirection of rotation. Alternatively, in lieu of the depictedarrangement, the encoder may utilize a reflective encoder method(instead of a light pass through method) encoder wheel, and/or the lightmay be transmitted in a direction parallel to the axis 500 a of rotationof ring 482 for example as shown in conjunction with the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 19-23. Other alternative arrangements may also beutilized.

In the depicted exemplary arrangement, the encoder 481 is coupled to thestationary portion 434 and the encoder wheel 482 is coupled to rotatableportion 432. The encoder 481 is electronically and structurally coupledto a printed circuit board 483 that is preferably mounted within and tothe interior of the stationary portion 434. This mounting arrangementcan be accomplished by holes 484 in the printed circuit board 483,mounting hardware 485 such as screws, and threaded holes 486 in thestationary portion 434 that receive the mounting hardware 485. In analternative mounting arrangement, holes may be provided on the printedcircuit board 483 and protruding snaps may be provided as an intergralpart of stationary portion 434. Wire leads 487 electrically couple theprinted circuit board 483 to a main printed circuit board, not shown, inthe mouse 360 or other computer input device. This enables signals fromthe light receiver 481 b of the encoder 481 to be transmitted to acomputer 8 or the like. An aperture 488 is preferably provided so thatthe leads 487 may extend through the wall of the stationary portion 434.

The encoder ring 482 is structurally mounted within and to the interiorof the rotatable portion 432 by any suitable arrangement. For example,in one arrangement, as depicted, the encoder ring 482 may be integrallymolded with the rotatable portion 432. Alternatively, it may be coupledby hardware, snaps, or a press fit arrangement.

The carriage 440 is coupled to an assembly carrier 450 in a mannerpermitting the lateral pivoting of the carriage 440 relative to thecarrier 450. Such an arrangement provides the user the ability to rotatethe rotatable portion 432 in either opposing direction shown by arrow500, and the ability to laterally pivot the finger-engagable controlmember 430 relative to the carrier 450 in either opposing directionshown by arrow 502 (FIG. 28). Such pivoting causes rotation of thefinger-engagable control member 430 about axis 502 a. Exemplarystructure achieving this capability at the rear of the carriage 440, asseen in FIGS. 24-26, includes an axle portion 452 that protrudes fromthe front side of the carriage 440 and an axle receiving opening 453 inthe rear of the assembly carrier 450 for receiving the axle portion 452.If desired, similar structure could be used at the front of the carriage440.

The carriage 440 is biased to a neutral position with respect to itstilting relative to assembly carrier 450. This biasing is preferablyaccomplished by a spring. An exemplary arrangement, as shown in FIGS.27, uses a torsion spring 420 having one end that is fixed to or bearsagainst the carriage 440 and its other end that is fixed to or bearsagainst the assembly carrier 450. The torsion spring 420 can extend overa forward axle portion 454. However, alternate biasing arrangements,such as but not limited to the biasing system of FIGS. 19-23 may beused. This biasing arrangement provides a rotational force to bias thecarriage to a neutral position. Preferably, the center portion of thefinger-engagable control member 430 extends perpendicularly to theopening in the housing of the mouse or other computer input device inthis neutral position.

A tilting sensor is used to determine the angular displacement of thecarriage 440 relative to the assembly carrier 450. An exemplarystructure achieving this tilt sensing capability includes laterallyextending contact arms 471 and contact switches 473 respectivelydisposed at the ends of the tilting path of the arms 471. Thus, in thisarrangement, the sensors detect a specific predetermined tilt positionin the positive and negative tilt directions. The contacts and opencircuits of the switches may be self-contained such as in a dome-typeswitch. Alternatively, the underside of each arm 471 can include aconductive element 472 that contacts an open circuit region 474 of theswitch 473.

Signals indicative when the carriage 440 has been tilted by thepredetermined angle are transmitted from switches 473 to a circuit boardon the mouse or other computer input device. However, alternate angularsensing arrangement may be provided.

Alternative exemplary structure achieving this tilt sensing capabilitymay be provided at the front or back of the carriage 440 includes apotentiometer, not shown but similar to that shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.The potentiometer senses the rotation of axle 452 relative to theassembly carrier 450. Signals indicative of the sensed rotation aretransmitted from leads on the potentiometer to the main circuit board onthe mouse or other computer input device. However, alternate angularsensing arrangement may be provided. Alternatively, an encoder wheel andlight sensor arrangement may be used to sense the tilting.

The scroll wheel assembly 410 is preferably pivotally mounted within thehousing of the mouse or other computer input device in a manner toprovide a Z-switch. This is preferably accomplished by axles 490extending from the opposing lateral sides near the front of the assemblycarrier 450. However, the scroll wheel assembly 410 may be pivotallycoupled adjacent its rear. The axles 490 are received in openings (notshown) in uprights within the housing in a manner to permit relativepivotal movement. An exemplary embodiment of a sensing system fordetermining the pivoting of assembly carrier 450 relative to the housingincludes a contact switch 475 on the side opposite from the pivot axles490. A portion of tilt axle 452 may be used to cause the contact theswitch 475 when the finger-engaging portion 430 is depressed downwardly.An actuator that is part of the carrier 450 may also actuate theZ-switch. Additional contact switches 478 may similarly be provided forthe depressible actuators 314 and 316, e.g., the primary and secondarybuttons.

In an exemplary arrangement, a cover/shutter 495, as shown in FIGS. 24and 28, is mounted to the carriage 440 and extends upwardly to cover aregion of the stationary portion 434 and the rotatable portion 432 oneither side of the center section 436, and preferably also a region infront of and behind center region 436. Thus, the shutter 495 includes anaperture 496 sized slightly larger than the center portion 436 (at itsintersecting location) through which the center portion 436 extends. Inthis arrangement, only the center portion 436 of finger-engagablecontrol member 430 is exposed for user manipulation. The shutter 495extends partly through the opening 305 in the housing 302 of the mouseor other computer input device. The shutter 496 preferably includes acurved upper surface 497 on opposing sides of the center portion 436 sothat the opening 305 in the housing 302 is substantially blockedregardless of the angle of tilt of the finger-engagable control member430. The shutter 495 protects the internal components of the mouse orother computer input device from dust, dirt, and other contaminates thatmay potentially cause damage. If desired, the shutter 495 can extendthrough the opening 302 by a sufficient amount to include fingerengagable surfaces on opposing sides of the rotatable center section 436that may be used to laterally tilt the scroll wheel assembly 410.

In use, when the user wants to scroll the image 1 on the display screen2 in multiple directions along multiple axes 4, 5, he or she will bothrotate and/or laterally move the wheel assembly 410 relative to thehousing 302 to produce vertical and/or lateral scrolling, respectively.When the center section 436 of the rotational portion 432 of the scrollwheel assembly 410 is rotated by the user in the direction of arrow 500,the rotational motion is sensed by a rotational movement sensing system481 a, 481 b, and 482 and the image 1 is scrolled in either a positiveor a negative vertical direction that extends parallel to the Y-axis 4,i.e., either up or down. When the scroll wheel assembly 410 (either thecenter section 436 or the shutter 495) is laterally tilted by the userin the direction of arrow 502, the tilting motion is sensed by a tiltingsensing system 471 and 473 and the image 1 is scrolled in either apositive or a negative horizontal direction that extends parallel to theX-axis 4, i.e., either left or right.

It is noted that while some features of the scroll wheel assembly 410have been depicted and described relative to one embodiment, thesefeatures can be provided in other described embodiments. For example,the shutter 495 depicted in FIGS. 24 and 28 may be used in theembodiment of FIGS. 19-23. Similarly, sensing techniques, tilting androtational techniques, and associated structures disclosed or depictedrelative to one embodiment may be used in addition or in lieu ofcorresponding structures in another embodiment. Additionally, disclosedaspects and features usable and desirable with a split rotatingfinger-engagable control member 330/430 are advantageous on otherscrolling assemblies and need not be required to be on a scroll wheelassembly with movable and stationary portions.

In a preferred embodiment, the lateral tilting axis 402 a/502 a ispreferably located substantially within the same plane as, or spaced asmall distance from the rotational axis 400 a/500 a. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the lateral tilting axis 402 a/502 a is preferably locatedto intersect the center portion 336/436. Providing the lateral titlingaxis 402 a/502 a close to the rotational axis 400 a/500 a provides ahigher degree of control and angular tilt relative to the titlingdistance traveled. In one arrangement, the finger-engagable controlmember 310/410 may be tilted approximately 5-30 degrees clockwise orcounter-clockwise from its center-biased position. That is, the 5-30degrees of travel in both opposing angular direction provide a 10-60degree angular range of travel. Various specific configurations of thisarrangement provide ranges of angular travel equal to or in excess of 10degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees and 50 degrees.

The shape and contour of the portion of the finger-engagable controlmember may take the form of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18-28 or mayalternatively take the form of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 29-31 orportions thereof. More specifically, the finger-engagable control member310/410 includes a raised center section 336/436 and opposing sidesurfaces that may be formed by a shutter or by a rotatable portion and astationary portion. The raised center section 336/436 may optionallyinclude grooves to assist in the rotation of the center section.

The opposing side surfaces may be angled such as shown in FIGS. 19-23,or convex and curved such as shown in FIG. 24 or FIGS. 29-31. In theembodiment of FIGS. 29 and 30, depicted on a mouse 560 with depressibleactuators 514 and 516, the contour of the finger-engagable controlmember 530 exposed for user manipulation through an opening 505 inhousing 502, takes the approximate form of a raised ring-shaped wheel536 wrapped around a sphere 537. As schematically depicted in isolationin FIG. 30, the convex outer contour of the exposed spherical surfaces537 on opposing sides of the wheel 536 (alone and in conjunction withthe wheel 536) enhances the finger engagable surface area to permittilting in the direction of arrow 602 while still permitting easyendless rotation of the wheel 536 in the direction of arrow 600. Thiscombination of shapes also provides physical and cognitive cues as tohow the finger-engagable control member 530 may be manipulated. Thesphere 537 is preferably, but need not be, truncated in regionslaterally outside of the regions that are exposed for user manipulation.

In the embodiment of FIG. 31, depicted on a mouse 660 with depressibleactuators 614 and 616, the contour of the finger-engagable controlmember 630 exposed for user manipulation through an opening 605 inhousing 602, takes the approximate form of a raised ring-shaped wheel636 with downwardly angled sloped and slightly curved side surfaces 337.This arrangement also provides advantages as the side surfaces 637 onopposing sides of the raised center section 636 enhances the fingerengagable surface area to permit tilting in the direction of arrow 702while still permitting easy endless rotation of the wheel 636 in thedirection of arrow 700. This combination of shapes also providesphysical and cognitive cues as to how the finger-engagable controlmember 630 may be manipulated. The sphere 537 is preferably, but neednot be, truncated in regions laterally outside of the regions that areexposed for user manipulation.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 32-34, depicted on a mouse 760 withdepressible actuators 714 and 716, the contour of the finger-engagablecontrol member 730 exposed for user manipulation through an opening 705in housing 702, takes the approximate form of a raised ring-shaped wheel736 with raised side edges 798 and a concave recessed center sectionforming a finger-locating/finger-positioning groove 799. Thisarrangement also provides advantages as the groove 799 assists in thesingle finger control of the tilting in the direction of arrow 802 aswell as the endless rotation of the wheel 736 in the direction of arrow800. A convex shutter 795 may also be provided to protect the internalcomponents of the computer input device 760.

These arrangements are useful with software applications offeringhorizontal scrolling opportunities, such as various a spreadsheetprogram, an Internet browser, and word processor programs and especiallyin instances where a user would be trying to view an image that islarger than what can be completely shown on screen in the verticaland/or horizontal directions. By rolling the finger-engagable controlmember, a user can navigate back and forward between information on thebottom and top of the image. By tilting the finger-engagable controlmember horizontally, the user can navigate between views and informationon the right and left of the viewed image.

The speed of the scrolling in the vertical direction may be anydesirable rate relative to the rotation, and such speed may be preset orcontrollable and adjustable through software, e.g., a graphical userinterface on a mouse driver, so that the user may select his or her ownpreference. Horizontal scrolling may be controlled dependent upon on theamount of time the finger-engagable control member is tilted and/or bythe amount of tilt of the finger-engagable control member. Similarly,the speed of the scrolling may be preset or controllable and adjustablethrough software, e.g., a graphical user interface on a mouse driver, sothat the user may select his or her own preferences. If desired, a timethreshold for the tilting of the finger-engagable control member may beimposed prior to the initiation of horizontal scrolling to preventinadvertent tilting from modifying the viewed image.

While the scroll wheel assembly is preferably used to cause scrolling inthe horizontal and vertical directions, it may also be used to providesingle commands other than “scroll right” and “scroll left”. Forexample, as with some keys on mice and keyboards, these commands may beprogrammable. Thus, depending upon the embodiment, translating orpivoting the rotatable member to the left can activate a pre-programmedcommand such as “BACK”, and moving the rotatable member to the right canactivate a pre-programmed command such as “FORWARD.”

Further, with the use of such a the finger-engagable controlmember/wheel, and modifier keys that create the ability to modify theinput from the finger-engagable control member/wheel, it is possible tocontrol document zooming or other non-scrolling actions if desired. Forexample, the combined actions of the Alt and Y keystrokes andmanipulation of a scroll wheel could control zooming in and out. Ifdesired, the combination of modifier keys in combination with slidingthe scroll wheel horizontally could be used to angularly rotate an imageon the display, such as a drawing object. In such an example, thehorizontal displacement of the wheel can affect the amount of angularrotation and/or the speed of the rotation.

It is understood that while the forms of the invention herein shown anddescribed include the best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention, they are not intended to illustrate all possibleforms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used aredescriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimedbelow.

1. An input device for scrolling an image relative to an image displayscreen, said device comprising: a housing having at least one opening;and a finger-engagable control member provided within said housing andhaving a portion extending through said opening permitting usermanipulation thereof, said finger-engagable control member having: afirst portion rotatable about an axis extending within the housing, thefirst portion having a first annular surface comprising a radial innersurface; and a second stationary portion comprising a second annularsurface comprising a radial outer peripheral surface, the radial innersurface of the first annular surface overlapping the radial outerperipheral surface of the second annular surface to form interfacingannular surfaces, said finger-engagable control member being tiltablerelative to said housing, said finger-engagable control member includinga centrally disposed ring raised from the interfacing annular surfaces.2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a tiltsensing system that determines when said rotatable member is pivotedrelative to the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis.
 3. Theinput device according to claim 2, further comprising a rotation sensingsystem that determines when said rotatable member is rotated about theaxis.
 4. The input device according to claim 3 wherein said computerinput device is configured to provide a signal corresponding to verticalscrolling of an image when said rotatable member is rotated about theaxis and to provide a signal corresponding to horizontal scrolling of animage when said rotatable member is pivoted relative to the housing in adirection perpendicular to the axis.
 5. The input device according toclaim 1 wherein the outer contour of a portion of said finger-engagablecontrol member that is exposed for manipulation substantially takes theform of a portion of a sphere which forms the opposed convex curvedsurfaces.
 6. The input device of claim 1, wherein said input device is acomputer mouse.
 7. The input device of claim 3, wherein the rotationsensing system includes a sensor contained within the finger-engagablecontrol member and mounted on an interior of the first portion of thefinger-engagable control member.
 8. The input device of claim 7, whereinthe sensor includes an encoder that transmits light in a directionparallel to the axis.
 9. The input device of claim 1, wherein the firstportion of the finger-engagable control member includes the centrallydisposed ring.
 10. The input device of claim 10, wherein the firstportion of the finger-engagable control member further includes one ofsaid convex curved surfaces.
 11. An input device for scrolling an imagerelative to an image display screen, said device comprising: a housinghaving at least one opening; a finger-engagable control member having astationary portion and a rotatable portion, the finger-engagable controlmember being provided within said housing and having a portion thereofextending through said opening for manipulation by a user, the rotatableportion having a first annular surface comprising a radial innersurface, the stationary portion comprising a second annular surfacecomprising a radial outer peripheral surface, the radial inner surfaceof the first annular surface overlapping the radial outer peripheralsurface of the second annular surface to form interfacing annularsurfaces; and a rotation sensor contained within an area generallydefined by the stationary portion and the rotatable portion of thefinger-engagable control member, wherein the finger-engagable controlmember includes an area generally defined by the stationary portion,relative to an axis of rotation, and a portion rotatable about the axisand rotatable relative to the stationary portion.
 12. The input deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein said stationary portion and saidrotatable portion are pivotable together about a tilt axis perpendicularto the axis of rotation.
 13. The input device of claim 12, furthercomprising a tilt sensor disposed outside of the finger-engagablecontrol member.
 14. The input device according to claim 13, wherein saidcomputer input device is configured to provide a signal corresponding tovertical scrolling of an image when said rotatable member is rotatedabout the axis and to provide a signal corresponding to horizontalscrolling of an image when said rotatable member is pivoted relative tothe housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis.
 15. The inputdevice of claim 13, wherein said tilt sensor includes a potentiometerdisposed along the tilt axis.
 16. The input device of claim 13, furthercomprising a carriage pivotable with the finger-engagable controlmember, said carriage including laterally extending arms, wherein saidtilt sensor includes a pair of contact sensors disposed on opposinglateral sides of the finger-engagable control member for being contactedby a respective arm when the finger-engagable control member is pivotedby a predetermined amount.
 17. An input device for scrolling an imagerelative to an image display screen, said device comprising: a housinghaving at least one opening; a scroll wheel assembly having a fingerengaging portion exposed through said opening in the housing, saidfinger engaging portion including first and second portions exposed formanipulation, wherein said first portion is rotatably movable relativeto the second portion, the first portion having a first annular surfacecomprising a radial inner surface, the second portion comprising asecond annular surface comprising a radial outer peripheral surface, theradial inner surface of the first annular surface overlapping the outerperipheral surface of the second annular surface to form interfacingannular surfaces, wherein said first and second portions are tiltabletogether about a tilt axis; a tilt sensing arrangement configured tosense the tilting of the first and second portions; and; a biasingmember urging said first and second portions to a predeterminedposition.
 18. The input device according to claim 17 wherein said firstand second portions include annular bearing surfaces.
 19. The inputdevice of claim 18, further comprising a rotation sensor containedbetween the first and second portions.
 20. The input device according toclaim 17, wherein said first and second portions are exposed formanipulation and wherein the biasing member urging said first and secondportions to a predetermined position includes a spring mounted directlybelow the finger engaging portion of the scroll wheel assembly.